The Climate Change in the American Mind Series - Fall 2013

In Fall 2013, we conducted a national survey on Americans’ climate change and energy beliefs, attitudes, policy support, and behavior.

The first report shows that there has been an increase in the proportion of Americans who believe global warming is not happening (23%, up 7 percentage points since April 2013). The proportion of Americans who say they “don’t know” whether or not global warming is happening has dropped 6 points – from 20% to 14% – since spring of 2013. Finally, a majority of Americans (63%) believe global warming is happening, a number that has been consistent since spring 2013. You can download the report here: Americans' Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in November 2013.

The second report shows that a majority, but fewer Americans (70%, down 14 percentage points since Fall 2012) report that they experienced one or more extreme weather events in the past year. People in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, however, were more likely to report experiencing extreme cold or a snowstorm in 2013 than they did in 2012. Additionally, over half of Americans (56%) say “global warming is affecting weather in the United States.” You can download the report here: Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind, November 2013.

The third report shows that most Americans support national action on global warming. Most (83%) say the U.S. should make an effort to reduce global warming, even if it has economic costs. Majorities of Americans also say that corporations and industry (65%), citizens themselves (61%), and the U.S. Congress (52%) should be doing more to address global warming. The survey also found that majorities of Democrats and Republicans support several climate and energy policies. For example, 82% of Democrats and 62% of Republicans support tax rebates for people who purchase energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels. You can download the report here: Public Support for Climate & Energy Policies, November 2013.

The fourth report shows that millions of Americans are willing to join a campaign to convince elected officials to reduce global warming. Specifically, three in ten (29%) have joined or would join a campaign to convince elected officials to take action to reduce global warming. Also, nearly four in ten (36%) have joined or would join a campaign to convince elected officials to pass laws increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy as a way to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels. You can download the report here: Americans’ Actions to Limit Global Warming, November 2013.